The Dreamiest Park In Seoul: Dream Forest
The number of beautiful parks in Seoul, Korea is really stunning and we love exploring them. If you’re looking for a park in northern Seoul, you definitely need to keep Dream Forest (북서울 꿈의숲) on your radar. This park is also one of the most beautiful places to see cherry blossoms in the spring in Seoul. From picturesque views and an observatory to deer and waterfalls, there’s a lot to enjoy.
Get ready to spend the day in Dream Forest in Seoul:
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How To Get There
Address: 173 Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 강북구 월계로 173)
Directions: Take the subway to Miasamgeori Station and outside of exit 1, take bus 9 or 11 to get to the park in about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the subway to Dolgoji Station, and outside of exit 3 take bus 147 for about 5 minutes to to get the park.
Why It’s Called Dream Forest
Formerly known as Odong Neighborhood Park, this expansive green park is 660,000 square meters making it one of the largest parks in Seoul. There are picturesque landscapes year round, but visit in the spring and you’ll be rewarded by a substantial number of cherry blossom trees. Visit in the autumn, and the maple trees that cover the northern section of the park will stun you.
The Dream Forest, a name that evokes whimsy, owes its origins to an amusement park called Dreamland which was on the site up until 2007. The park you see today was opened in 2009 after renovation and it is stunning. Major attractions now include the Wolyeongji Pond, Wolgwangpokpo Falls, Aewoljeong Pavilion, Chilbokji Falls, Wild Grass Garden, Deer Ranch, and a water playground in the summer.
Take your time and enjoy the numerous walking paths that lead through bamboo lined sections, near the ponds, waterfall and be sure to walk by the deer enclosure.
The Observatory and The Views
The 49 meter tall observatory, which you can see in the KBS drama IRIS, is a highlight of the park and offers panoramic views of Seoul’s natural and urban landscapes. You can see Mt. Bukhansan, Mt. Dobongsan, and Mt. Suraksan to the north and to the south, you can see N Seoul Tower. Take the time and head up.
If you don’t pack your own food to bring to the park, there’s also a restaurant near the observatory where you can get food. Alternatively, there’s a convenience store here too to pick something up.
- Note: The observatory isn’t open on Mondays. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am until 10:00pm.
Changnyeongwigung Ancestral Shrine
The Changnyeongwigung Ancestral Shrine is dedicated to Princess Bokon who lived from 1818 to 1832 and her husband Changnyeongwi Kim Byeongju who lived from 1819 to 1853. Princess Bokon was the daughter of King Sunjo, the 23rd king of the Joseon Dynasty. A house that has seen the country through both peace and turbulence also saw the death of Kim Seokjin, the grandson of Kim Byeongju, as he took his own life in the building in 1910 because he was upset at the loss of the country’s sovereignty.
Today, there is a memorial hall in the building that was rebuilt in 1955 after the original was destroyed during the Korean War. It’s a beautiful historical and culture relic in the park, adding something to look for when you visit.
The Deer Ranch
When we entered the park, we came upon the deer first. Friendly and with a lot of space to enjoy, you and your children will enjoy the up close view of these friendly creatures. After seeing them, we headed up and over the ridge to find the rest of the park. This is one of those parks, you’ll want to really get a good walk in to see it all.
Arts and Culture
Finally, while we didn’t have time to check out the arts and culture spaces, the Sang Sang Tok Tok Gallery and the Dream Forest Art Center are also on the grounds of the park and offer various programs, exhibitions, and events throughout the year. Be sure to stop in and see what’s going on.
If you’re looking for a park in Seoul, this is a great option with some beautiful scenery, a great children’s playground, and even deer so enjoy the day.
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